Potato-Leek Pie

Healthy Potato-Leek Pie Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Potato-Leek Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with a flavorful cabbage and leek filling. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Potato-Leek Pie has its origins in traditional Irish and British cuisine, where potatoes and leeks are staple ingredients. This dish has been enjoyed for generations as a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

6 cloves of garlic
1.5 cups of non-fat milk
1 tbsp of canola oil
2 lb (907 g) of potatoes
6 to 8 cups of shredded cabbage
3 medium leeks (white and light green parts), thinly sliced
3 cups of cauliflower florets
1 tbsp of whole wheat flour
6 slices of fat-free sharp cheddar singles
4 green onions (white and light green parts), thinly sliced
0.25 tsp of paprika

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, combine garlic, 0.5 cup of milk, and oil. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the garlic is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Meanwhile, place the potatoes into a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Lightly coat an ovenproof casserole with cooking spray. In a large saucepan, combine 0.5 cup of water with cabbage, leeks, and cauliflower. Cook over medium heat until the water evaporates and the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the vegetables with flour and stir over low heat for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk, stirring until well blended. Return the pan to heat and stir until the sauce thickens. Add cheese slices and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Spoon the cabbage-leek mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
When the garlic is tender, squeeze the cloves from their skins into the milk-oil cooking liquid. Pour the liquid into the potatoes and mash with a fork, leaving skins and some lumps. Mash in green onion slices and black pepper to taste. Top the cabbage-leek mixture with the garlic mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the potatoes with paprika.
Bake until the potatoes brown and the filling is hot, about 25 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, for a unique flavor profile.
Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or peas for added color and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Mash the potatoes with the garlic-infused milk for a creamy and flavorful topping.

- Sprinkle paprika on top of the mashed potatoes for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Potato-Leek Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the garlic in milk and oil for a fragrant and flavorful base.

- Mash the potatoes with the garlic-infused milk for a creamy and aromatic topping.

- Bake the pie until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of canola oil for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute regular milk for non-fat milk if desired.

- Swap out cheddar cheese for a different variety, such as Swiss or mozzarella.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Potato-Leek Pie up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake the pie just before serving for a fresh and hot meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Potato-Leek Pie with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the pie in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Potato-Leek Pie with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Finish with a fruit tart or chocolate mousse for dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Potato-Leek Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Potassium: 900mg per serving

Vitamin C: 60mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Milk

Summary

Potato-Leek Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Potato-Leek Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with a flavorful cabbage and leek filling. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this hearty and nutritious meal with your loved ones!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Potato-Leek Pie. It was a sunny afternoon in the springtime, and I was just a young girl visiting my aunt's farm. As I walked through the lush green fields, I could smell the sweet scent of blooming flowers and hear the gentle rustling of the leaves in the trees.

My aunt, a skilled cook and gardener, had just harvested a fresh batch of leeks from her garden. She invited me into her cozy kitchen, where the warm aroma of homemade bread and simmering soup filled the air. As she chopped the leeks and potatoes with ease and precision, I watched in awe, eager to learn the secrets of her culinary expertise.

"Would you like to help me make a Potato-Leek Pie?" my aunt asked me with a smile. I nodded enthusiastically, excited to be a part of this culinary adventure. Together, we sautéed the leeks and potatoes in butter until they were soft and fragrant, then added a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs from the garden.

Next, we rolled out the flaky pie crust and carefully lined the pie dish, filling it with the savory potato-leek mixture. As we sealed the pie with a top crust and scored it with a fork, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment at creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch.

After a long day of cooking and baking, the Potato-Leek Pie emerged from the oven golden brown and bubbling with flavor. The rich aroma of buttery crust and tender vegetables filled the kitchen, making my mouth water with anticipation. As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I took a bite of the creamy filling and savory crust, savoring the delicate balance of flavors and textures.

From that moment on, Potato-Leek Pie became a cherished recipe in my repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress family and friends alike. Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twist with ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese or crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the culinary tradition from generation to generation. Each time I make Potato-Leek Pie, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon at my aunt's farm, where I first learned the magic of combining simple ingredients to create something truly delicious.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of my own kitchen, I can't help but smile at the memories of that day long ago. The recipe for Potato-Leek Pie may have originated from my aunt's farm, but it has since become a treasured part of my own culinary journey, a reminder of the love and passion that goes into every dish I create.

And so, as I take another bite of the rich and savory Potato-Leek Pie that I have made countless times before, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the lessons learned, the memories made, and the joy that cooking has brought into my life. Cooking is more than just a way to nourish the body—it is a way to nourish the soul, to connect with loved ones, and to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.